câu nệ

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The Vietnamese word "câu nệ" is a verb that describes a person who is very particular, strict, or finicky about certain things, often focusing on minor details. It can also imply being overly formal or adhering strictly to rules or conventions, especially in social situations.

Usage Instructions:

• Context: Use "câu nệ" when talking about someone who is meticulous or overly concerned with details or formality. It can be applied in both casual and formal discussions.
• Tone: The term can have a slightly negative connotation if used to suggest someone is being overly picky or formal, so be mindful of the context in which you use it.

Examples:

1. Câu nệ những điều tiểu tiết - "to be a stickler for details."

   • Example in a sentence: "Trong công việc, anh ấy rất câu nệ những điều tiểu tiết." (In work, he is very much a stickler for details.)

2. Quá câu nệ về câu văn - "to be too finicky about style."

   • Example in a sentence: "Cô ấy quá câu nệ về cách viết, nên không viết được gì." (She is too finicky about writing style, so she can't write anything.)

3. Chỗ thân tình với nhau, đừng câu nệ - "between good friends, don't stand on ceremony."

   • Example in a sentence: "Khi gặp bạn bè thân thiết, hãy thoải mái, đừng câu nệ." (When meeting close friends, feel free, don’t stand on ceremony.)

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, you might use "câu nệ" to describe situations where someone is overly cautious about social norms or etiquette, which can hinder personal connections.
• For example: "Trong các buổi tiệc, anh ta thường câu nệ quá mức về cách ăn mặc." (At parties, he often stands on ceremony too much regarding dress code.)

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "câu nệ," but related phrases that convey similar meanings include "khó tính" (picky) and "cầu toàn" (perfectionist).

Different Meanings:

• While "câu nệ" primarily refers to being finicky or formal, it can also imply a sense of scruple or hesitation in doing something, suggesting that a person might be too careful about how they act in social settings.

Academic

verb

1. To be a stickler for, to be finical about
   • câu nệ những điều tiểu tiết
     to be a stickler for details
   • quá câu nệ về câu văn
     to be too finical about style
2. To stand on ceremony, to have scruples
   • chỗ thân tình với nhau, đừng câu nệ
     between good friends, don't stand on ceremony